AUBURN, Ala. – With his mentor and predecessor seated in the front row a few feet away, Auburn soccer coach James Armstrong listed some of the accomplishments that prompted Auburn University’s Board of Trustees to name the locker after Karen Hoppa.
Two SEC championships, seven SEC Western Division titles, 18 NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet 16s, an Elite Eight and 293 wins in 26 seasons on the Plains.
“That is a legacy,” Armstrong said, setting up his punchline. “I pity the person that has to follow that.”
Through laughs, smiles, stories and a few tears, Hoppa thanked Auburn’s administration, trustees, staff, student-athletes and her family Thursday at the dedication ceremony of the Coach Karen Hoppa Locker Room at the Auburn Soccer Complex.
“I want the players to know how much I love them and how much it meant to me to coach them. I feel I’ve learned as much from them as they have from me,” said Hoppa, adding that she felt overwhelmed and undeserving of the honor.
Armstrong, in his first season as Hoppa’s successor, paid tribute to her impact on Auburn’s soccer program.
“Coach Hoppa developed true Auburn women who learned the importance of education, family, leadership, that life isn’t always fair, and always being a strong independent female,” Armstrong said. “On behalf of our staff, our players and everyone who has been touched by her leadership, we say thank you.
“Thank you Coach Hoppa for the foundation you built, the lives you changed and the unshakable spirit that you leave behind.”